Often during the last several years, I had to start the Timkatec Newsletter with negative news, often followed by more negative events. While conditions in Haiti continue to remain dire, with your continued aid, Timkatec 1 and 2 have managed to make a small dent in that national stream of bad news.

Timkatec 2, Graduating Class of 2009.

Patrick Addressing the Graduates

On June 28, 2009, I was honored to address the 2009 Graduation of students at Timkatec 2, Petion-Ville, Haiti. In 2008, 15 had graduated,but in 2009 we had 57 graduates; 24 as plumber/electricians, 14 as cobblers, 11 as masons and 9 as tailors. Bill Canny, Head of CRS-Haiti and I, also had the honor of presenting these youngsters with their State Endorsed Certificates as fully trained tradesmen.

There is no guarantee that these lads will find immediate employment, but their chances are enormously improved by having this training in a nation where unemployment approaches 50% and every day remains a challenge. Their profound thanks go to all of you for your continuous support that made this possible.

Bill Canny CRS and Patrick O'Shea present certificates

Charles Dieubon just 15 and now a trained tailor

I am asked by many of you why, at almost 70, I feel the need to continue the challenge of finding funding for this enterprise? Well, Father Simon is almost 80 and his efforts never flag-I'm a youngster by comparison. Two of our strongest supporters, Mike Spinelli and Tom Moran are my seniors and their support continues unabated. We are all inspired as we see such improved results each year.

As I visit Timkatec and meet with Father Simon and his staff, I feel a tremendous need to act on his and their behalf. Their efforts work. Young boys are rescued from the streets and receive a Primary education, medical care, regular meals and spiritual formation from Father and the dedicated staff. These lives are irrevocably changed for the better. Many of these kids continue on to Timkatec 2 and will eventually support a family. How often in life are we given such an opportunity to truly change the lives of others.

Patrick O'Shea with boys at Timkatec 1

Father Simon on top of Timkatec 3

Timkatec 1 has 100 places including 50 residential and Timkatec 2 has 200. Timkatec 3, the third facility will provide 70 girls with a similar opportunity starting in October . Later, that facility will also offer overnight shelter to additional street children who do not yet have a place at Timkatec.

None of this could happen without Father Simon's steely resolve and his selection and leadership of a dedicated team of teachers and staff. All we Friends need to do is to provide the funding so that this dedicated team can do their jobs of saving and changing lives. The cost to support each student is about $250 per annum, an impossible sum for a Haitian family that must feeds an average family of 7 on about $500 a year. Yet for most of us, this is a manageable amount to change lives forever. Note the 50 year old machines, still used daily. Teachers who earn only $200 per month and volunteers who also help.

The last year has been tough for everyone, my family included. We are begging each of you who have provided such sterling support in the past to try to find a way to continue this marvelous effort and to add more of your friends and family to the Friends. Father Simon waited 10 years to be able to get Timkatec 2 built and it has become a well-known institution in Haiti. He has struggled for 15 years to be able to complete Timkatec 3. He inspires us and will inspire others who learn of the Timkatec story. I ask you to continue your support of his daily battle to provide opportunity for the poorest of the poor.

A Singer machine is 50 years old but works when the electricity fails

The graduates and families

As always a picture is worth a thousand words-please note the Graduation pictures and my visit with the younger boys.

"Our experience shows us that these young children are normal children endowed with normal qualities and failings. Let us give them a chance and the means to cultivate these natural gifts while we endeavor to cure some of their failings." Father Joseph Simon of Timkatec.